Can anyone tell me about how long it takes a crappie to grow to slab size...say 11 inches or better? I realize this varies with climate and food supply. Just concerned with the average Louisiana lake.
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Can anyone tell me about how long it takes a crappie to grow to slab size...say 11 inches or better? I realize this varies with climate and food supply. Just concerned with the average Louisiana lake.
Good question- Ive wondered that also - With Lake Bistinueau being drawn down to the channel and the massive numbers of crappie being taken(of which I admit Ive been partaking in) Just wondering how it affects the population and how fast will they replenish. :popcorn
Hey RMG,
It's all about food, habitat, predators,weather,fishing pressure, and genes. IMO
The biggest sacs I've seen have come from the MS River. But they were in nets.:(
·Size, Age, and Growth
Black crappies grow to a maximum total length of 19.3 inches
courtesy U.S. Geological Survey
black crappie
The maximum length reported for a black crappie is 19.3 inches (49.0 cm) total length (TL) and the maximum published weight is just under 6 pounds (2.72 kg). This species is known to live at least 15 years.
During the first four years of life, young black crappies grow quickly in the warm waters of the southern US while growth is slower in cooler northern U.S. waters. Black crappies reach maturity at 2-4 years of age.
Thanks, Jig Rig. My home lake, Ivan Lake in Bossier Parish was bone dry for a couple of years. After repairs to the dam were completed it was refilled then stocked in February 2013. I have caught one 14 inch crappie, but all the rest have run anywhere from tiny to about 10 inches. I was just wondering when I might start bringing home slabs. A survey of the bait fish population done recently by LDWF showed that the shad and minnows were thriving.
I don't know how they calculated it but the B&M Slab Saver indicates 4-5 years for a white crappie to reach 11". I've added a pic of it but you can't reading the markings.
Thanks, James. From Wikipedia and fishing.about.com I learned they grow to 3 to 5 inches in first year and to 7 or 8 in their second. They are considered mature when they are 4 years old. Guess I won't expect many big ones anytime soon.